NSW/ACT Notebook: Preliminary Final Review

Sydney Swans 19.22 (136) def. North Melbourne 9.11 (65)

The Swans are through to another Grand Final after comfortably dealing with North Melbourne, registering a 71-point win at ANZ Stadium.

The Roos kicked the opening goal of the match through Ben Brown, but the Swans slowly got on top as the first quarter progressed to hold a 15-point advantage at the break.

There was more fight from North in the second term, but the Swans were able to continue outclassing the visitors. By half time, the scoreline was 64-28.

The weight of inside 50s was firmly with the Swans, who won that count 69-44.

Capitalising on those inside 50s was Lance Franklin, who starred up forward with five goals, 11 marks and 23 disposals. But he also generated play – managing six inside 50s and four goal assists.

Luke Parker was also impressive with 26 disposals, three goals, eight marks and eight tackles.

Kurt Tippett finished with four goals and Adam Goodes had three in his 350th game, while Josh Kennedy led the ball winners with 27 touches.

North were led by Ben Cunnington (28 disposals) and Drew Petrie (three goals).

Star midfielder Brent Harvey, with just six possessions, was well held by Swan Harry Cunningham.

Swans coach John Longmire used his post-match press conference to acknowledge Gary Rohan and Ben McGlynn – two players who missed out on the 2012 premiership through injury and were superb against North Melbourne.

Hawthorn 15.7 (97) def. Port Adelaide 13.16 (94)

Sydney’s Grand Final opponent will be Hawthorn after the Hawks withstood a determined Port Adelaide to win by three points at the MCG.

After Port went into the first change 12 points up, the Hawks had the better of the second and third quarters.

Jarryd Roughead was dominant up forward for the Hawks with six goals before three quarter time.

At the 11 minute mark of the final term, Hawthorn went 28 points up courtesy of Jack Gunston and the game appeared done.

Then Port stormed home with four goals – putting them one kick away from a win with 2.40 left on the clock.

But the Hawks held on thanks to some desperate plays, including an attack-stopping smother by Luke Hodge.

Will Langford had 29 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal for the Hawks, while Hodge had 27 disposals and a goal. Sam Mitchell finished with 26 touches and eight tackles.

NSW/ACT Notes

Will Langford (East Sydney) starred for the Hawks in their win, compiling a stat line of 29 touches, a game-high 19 contested possessions, 10 clearances, six tackles and a goal.

Isaac Smith (Temora) had two goals, 19 touches, seven marks and four inside 50s.

Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) had a goal, 20 disposals and six marks.

Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) kicked a goal, had five one-percenters and took four marks.

Luke Breust (Temora) generated five inside 50s, five tackles and two goal assists.

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) amassed 23 disposals, five clearances, five inside 50s and a goal for the Swans in their win.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) had 19 touches, six inside 50s and a goal.

Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) held Brent Harvey to six disposals, as well as picking up four tackles and three inside 50s.

Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had five one-percenters, three inside 50s and four marks.

Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) kicked a goal and had two clearances.

Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) had four one-percenters and three inside 50s.